Introduction

MoleExpert-Micro is a program created on a foundation of years of experience in the automated analysis of pigmented skin lesions. The important requirement for this software project was the usability of the software with different image recording systems. The most important requirements for the functioning of this software are high-quality, even and well illuminated incident light microscopic images of skin lesions.

MoleExpert micro was developed for the support of diagnosis findings. The system does not give a diagnosis, but instead provides measurement results on expansion, color, net structure, globules and the border which can be evaluated in comparison with many hundred lesions at any time. The parameters for the ABCD rule [Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter] have been recognized for some years as important parameters in dermatoscopy. In addition to this data the software calculates some additional parameters which have emerged as relevant during research work in recent year (such as color variation and gray veil).

Using a special algorithm tailored to this analysis, some of these parameters are integrated in a score that works with values between 0 and 1. The higher this score is, the more likely it is for the lesion to be a melanoma. Threshold values of the score are dependent on the camera and must be determined in special studies.

As well as the individual scores, the observation of changes for the recognition of melanoma is very important. MoleExpert micro is equipped with a very unique comparison function, with which changes can be assuringly visualized and assessed.

MoleExpert micro measures asymmetry, blur of border, color and size of lesions. These parameters have been commonly accepted as major factors for the ABCD rule.

The MoleExpert micro software is a product of DatInf GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany in cooperation with dermacenter küssnacht, Switzerland.

The use of an image database is strongly recommended. MoleExpert is compatible with DatInf^® ImageDB med.